Saturday, December 29, 2012

Nelson Sickul

Nelson "Skip" Sickul

September 26, 1936
New York, New York
~
December 26, 2012
Sun City, Arizona



Nelson “Skip” Sickul, age 76, passed away peacefully, on December 26, at his home in Sun City Arizona, while holding hands with his daughter, Debra.
 
He was the son of a Croatian father, Anthony (Tony) Sickul, from a small hillside village in Istria, Yugoslavia and mother Mary Vento, whose family came from the town of Minturno, Italy.
 
In the early 1950’s, ”Skip” was known for his red and white 52 Buick convertible and his football escapades as a tight and defensive end for Stamford High School, when they still had leather helmets with no face masks.  He also spent several seasons with the Stamford Golden Bears.
 
Upon graduating Stamford High, Nelson attended Villanova University and after two years, decided to join the Air Force.  His final years serving in the Air Force found him in Colorado Springs, CO, where he met his future wife Joan Sziich.  Having received a Football Scholarship to Colorado College, he spent one year there attending college, however, after a serious injury headed home to Stamford, CT.
 
His athletic talents were many; but his real talent was salesmanship. He began his career as a salesman for Bloomingdales, working his way up to Men’s Clothing Buyer in NYC.  His skills carried him on to further career achievements, Northeast Sales Manager for Dobbs, Knox and Kavanagh; District Manager for Holbrook Shirt Company and finally Northeast Sales Representative for Bally of Switzerland.  He retired from Bally in 1994.

Throughout his life, Nelson found a lot of enjoyment in tennis, skiing and boating with his family.  The boating usually ended with a tow back to shore until Dad bought and restored “Harmony”, an old mahogany cabin cruiser that gave so many hours of enjoyment.

He taught all of his girls his love for athletics and showed us the beauty of “form”.  His daughters remember being taught to throw a shot put and a javelin at a young age.  (Nowadays he would probably be reported to Family Services).

He generously shared his time coaching young people. Our Lady Star of the Sea girls CYO Basketball and Softball, in Stamford, CT.   He coached his grandson’s Pop Warner football teams the New Fairfield, CT “Falcons”, helping to lead them to a division title.

Later in life he coached the Hesperia, California “Shooting Stars” girls archery team.  Bringing these young ladies to the national Shoot in Las Vegas, NV.  Three of the young ladies placed in their age group.  An awesome testimony to his skills as a coach and nudge extraordinaire.

Nelson had a lifelong love for archery. He became a California “over 60” champion and famously was the only participant to hit a styrofoam cup at 100 yards in the California Olympic trials with his handmade custom wooden- laminate recurve bow.  Always generous, he donated a significant archery collection to the Museum of the National Field Archery Association; an organization of which he was a life member. His bow is being loved, cared for and used by his close friend Eric Schindler, MD.

His brother, Douglas, and wife, Caryl Sickul of Tiverton, RI, survive Nelson; as does his Uncle Mirco Aikler of Stamford, CT and his former partner Barb Sickul of Hesperia,CA. He also leaves behind his children, Michelle and Ben Lionetti of Goshen CT, Debra Pardee of Scottsdale, AZ and Tracy Marie Broad-Curtis of Glendale, AZ. His four grandsons whom he loved so much also survive him; Benjamin and Joseph Lionetti, and Christopher and Steven Broad. His many relatives in the Stamford, CT Vento family, additionally survive him.

Nelson was world famous for his stories that bounced back and forth against the edges and walls of his imagination. His friends, family and acquaintances will never run out of Nelson stories.

Remembrance services will be private.





Please feel free to share your condolences with the family and also your thoughts with friends. Perhaps a short funny moment or cherished time you spent with this loved family member who will sorely be missed and forever remembered.

Select profile - "ANONYMOUS" if desired. Place your name at the bottom of your message.




44 comments:

  1. I love you Daddy. - Michelle

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  2. Nelson left a mark on the members and Family of St. Hilarys Episcopal Church in Hesperia California. Whenever he decided to persue a subject or objective he did it whole heartedly and with a large amount of gusto. He made the very best meatsauce for the Spaghetti Dinners, and I know he put his whole heart into it (as I cleaned the kitchen behind him and it too was made with gusto) (and every pot and pan ever used there.) He was evidently the motivating force behind our fundraising auctions among other things. Nelson made us smile, laugh and now cry. We wish the Peace of Christ on Nelson and his dear family. The Dennis Moran Family on Behalf of St. Hilarys Church, Hesperia Ca.

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    Replies
    1. Thank you so much. He did make a good spaghetti sauce. Glad you remember and are praying for him and his family.
      Michelle

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    2. Thank you, I had the pleasure to haul the massive amounts of sause he couldn't carry to the church kitchen. He was so proud of it! It was so good I had it for dinner with just bread like we used to eat it at his mothers. Then I cleaned the kitchen.
      Debra
      Nelson's middle daughter.

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  3. Dad loved to cook soup and Sause and was always generous .. I really miss my Dad ..
    Tracy ( youngest daughter )

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    Replies
    1. This is now 2017. My name is Lesly Wolfson. I grew up on Fairview Avenue and spent so many afternoons at the Sickul house. I tried contacting Tracy but have heard nothing, unfortunately.

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    2. The years my father, Dr. Bernard Wolfson, and my mother,Carol,spent playing tennis on the courts of Oceanview Beach Club and also Debbie and Michelle against my older sister Michelle, bring back so many wonderful memories. Also, the rounds of tetherball with Tracy. It's a shame I was so afraid of canines back then - Princess was beautiful!

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  4. Heartiest condolences to the entire Sickul family. Nelson, you were a terrific fellow, always in a good mood, there are so many wonderful memories of you and Joan playing tennis on the Oceanview courts. - May you rest in peace,
    Sabine Goering and Family
    ~
    Sabine Goering,
    Darien,, Connecticut

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  5. Hearty condolences to the Sickul family. Nelson, you were a terrific guy, I remember many wonderful games with you and Joan on the Oceanview tennis courts in Shippan. And of course, the license plate on your car "tenis". Thanks for fun memories. May you rest in peace,
    Sabine Goering and Family

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  6. My deepest condolences from your old neighbor on shippan. My love and prayers, Michael Lenihan .
    ~
    MICHAEL LENIHAN,
    FORT LAUDERDALE, Florida

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  7. Nelson was a man's man!
    Add that he made the best antipasto known to mankind!
    Ron & AJ Johnson
    Portola Valley,Ca.

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  8. Sickul family
    He will be missed. We were in the same class (55') & graduated together. Funny guy.
    RIP friend.
    ~
    Bill Romaniello,
    Atlanta, Georgia

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  9. Very sorry to hear of his passing. You were great neighbors!
    ~
    Ed Lenihan,
    Riverside, Connecticut

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  10. We have many good memories of Nelson and family at Oceanview Beach Club in Stamford, CT. Nelson raised a really wonderful family.
    ~
    Pat & Al Koproski,
    Stamford, Connecticut

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    Replies
    1. I remember you; your daughter and I use to go rafting together at Oceanview. I spent every single year at your wonderful club.

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  11. Nelson was one of the greatest people who frequented our family service station!! COLLETTO BROTHERS !!! My sympathy for you all!!!
    ~
    Sam Colletto,
    Stamford, Connecticut

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  12. Thank you for serving our country.
    A grateful American

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  13. Our deepest sympathy to the Sickul Family
    I remember Nelson when he & Joan lived on
    Bridal Path in Stamford, behind my Aunt
    Connie Duarte.

    Al & Marie Lorenti
    (Marie was Connie's niece& Al did a lot
    of carpentry work for Nelson

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  14. Cousin Nelson - I always appreciated your humor, entertaining spirit, and easy going nature. I remember your Hacienda on Shippan Avenue, a real Home anyone could be proud of. Nobody could figure an angle like you could. You should have been a lawyer. Also, you were a great FAMILY man and your girls are your legacy. I always thought you were a very CLASSY guy! I'm guessing you had Tracy on your lap in this party picture in the Vento's yard somewhere around 1964 or 65
    ~
    Jeffrey Vento,
    Putnam, Connecticut

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  15. Love you Dad. Miss you more every minute. What will I do when a big storm is about to hit and You don't call me with an emergency preparedness Plan??
    ~
    Michelle Lionetti,
    Goshen, Connecticut

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  16. Michele, Debra & Tracy,
    Heartfelt condolensces on your Dad's passing. May your memories bring you a smile in the time to come.
    ~
    Lorie Havi;and-Kelley,
    Stamford, Connecticut

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  17. Dad, I am so blessed to have you in my life. Thank you for all the wonderful memories. I miss you so much and always will until we meet again.
    ~
    Your loving daughter, Debra Sickul Pardee,
    Scottsdale, Arizona

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  18. RIP Nelson !!
    ~
    MATT RAINVILLE,
    GRAND RAPIDS, Michigan

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  19. A great ball player and a better friend Frank LiVolsi

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  20. Condolences to the Sickul Family. I remember working with Nelson at the Starlite Drive-In, especially his pride and joy, the '52 Buick.
    ~
    Walt Daskam, USMC(Ret.),
    Hayden, Idaho

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  21. I spent many hours cruising in Nelson's Buick in the early 50's. Sad to hear the news. As a teenager I thought he was the greatest.
    Bob Berry
    Stamford High "53."

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  22. Nelson , will miss you , god bless .......
    ~
    William Constantino,
    Shelton, Connecticut

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  23. my deepest condolences to the entire Sickul family. Nelson, you were always one to inspire the children- pushing them to the next step. I loved out summer together with archery and the kids. Thank you for supporting and loving my daughter. Your infectious smile and laughter will be missed.
    ~
    Merri Rice,
    Wrightwood, California

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  24. Condolence to all the Sickul family. You will be miss pop Sickul.
    ~
    Joe Blevins,
    Hesperia, California

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  25. Sickul Family,

    I will always remember the red buick parked across the street from S.H.S. Class of '55. May Skip rest in peace.
    He was a wonderful person and friend.
    ~
    Joanne Raino-Lockwood,
    Stamford, Connecticut

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  26. The Boy's and I love you Dad Rest at peace and give Grandma and Grandpa love from me I sure miss them too.
    ~
    Tracy-Sickul Curtis,
    Glendale, Arizona

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  27. Nelson
    I dont know of anyone who had more fun than you and I did in your Red Buick and working at the Starlight Drive In
    Rest in peace. Ed Lane.

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  28. I have many good memories of your Dad on the east side of Stamford, CT. We grew up attending grammar and high school together. Many times walking to school together and then when that what seemed to be a bigger than life red convertible appeared, your Dad would pick me up on the way to high school.

    We lived just a few streets from each other near St. Benedicts Church in Stamford. Many times he would come over the house to visit and my mother would always be sure to have something to eat for both of us. A typical neighborhood at that time – your grandmother would also treat me great on a visit to her house.

    At high school class reunions your Dad and I would spend a great deal of time remembering the days on the “east side”, great, great memories.

    He was a great friend and classmate throughout my years in Stamford and I’m sure your memories are and will be talked about with your friends and grandchildren as I do with my family.

    I can tell you your Dad was a great person and friend.

    Mike Novak

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  29. Fond memories of our high school days and all our class reunions. Rest in peace dear friend
    ~
    carol nosenzo,
    stamford, Connecticut

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  30. Hi Dad............ Miss you. But I know your running again. Throwing the football, the javelin and the shot put. standing tall and straight to pull your bow. I'll see you when God says it's OK.

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  31. To The Sickul Family,
    So sorry for your loss. I was a member of the 1955 SHS graduation class and Skip was such a special member of that class. I think we all remember the first time he drove his new '52 red Buick convertible to school and we all couldn't wait to get to ride in it. Many, many great memories of a fantastic time in our lives. RIP Skip.
    ~
    John Rosa,
    Ridgefield, Connecticut

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  32. Deepest condolences to the Sickul family. Nelson was a friend of my brother,Ed, and took him under his wing and showed him many good times. I was younger and saw Nelson play for SHS and come to our house many times. I was in awe of him. He was a guy my mother loved to see and have over. He was such fun....My brother and I want you to know how lucky we were to know Nelson.
    Jim and Ed Mazurek
    ~
    James Mazurek,
    Bradenton, Florida

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  33. Dear all,
    I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your dad. I have very fond memories of our time in Shippan and at Ocenview Beach. The best is of a row boat trip to the Island with your dad and granparents to go claming. On the way back we capsized, lost all our clams, and had to be rescued! Was so fun, but I am sure my mom wasnt too thirilled :). Will always remember him as a wonderful man to all us kids!
    My deepest sympathies,
    David S. Cingari
    ~
    David Cingari,
    Stamford, Connecticut

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  34. Deepest condolences to the Sickul family. Nelson was a friend of my brother,Ed, and took him under his wing and showed him many good times. I was younger and saw Nelson play for SHS and come to our house many times. I was in awe of him. He was a guy my mother loved to see and have over. He was such fun....My brother and I want you to know how lucky we were to know Nelson.
    Jim and Ed Mazurek
    ~
    James Mazurek,
    Bradenton, Florida

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  35. Heaven will be noisy from now on. 1954-55 Cheerleading was such fun when you were appreciated by this big hugging guy..rides in the red convertible was a "must". I was fortunate to hook up again after many years when he came to Boston on buisness and share memories and make new ones. Skip, you will be missed.
    ~
    Donna Dudley Kidman,
    Needham, Massachusetts

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  36. Everyone seems to remember Nelson's Red 52 Buick convertible. I found some pictures online and a video of a 53, SWEET. Not sure if these are exactly what he had or not. here are the links- Jeff

    http://www.seriouswheels.com/1950-1959/1952-Buick-Super-Convertible-Red.htm

    http://www.barrett-jackson.com/application/onlinesubmission/lotdetails.aspx?ln=408.1&aid=52

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kOxElyb2N0M
    ~
    Jeff Vento,
    Putnam, Connecticut

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  37. Even in 4th grade at Rogers School Nelson stood out as a classmate.

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  38. Condolences to the Sickul family. Thank you for the details of Nelson's life journey. Skip was an important part of my high school years. Yes, I too remember riding in the '52 red Buick convertible, cheering for Skip as he excelled on the football field, and being with him at the Starlite Drivein, when he was a manager at a very young age. Anyone else remember that his vanity plate then was SICK? [SKIP had been his 1st choice.] He was tall and handsome, yes, but he also had style and charm - even way back then - and a great sense of fun. I'm not surprised that he made it BIG as a salesman in the fashion world. You all were blessed with a wonderful man in your family. I'll never forget him.
    Dorothy (Gray) Hemmings-Bassett
    SHS Class '53
    ~
    Dorothy Hemmings-Bassett,
    Cape Cod, Massachusetts

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  39. I did not know Nelson Managed the drive in. Here is a tribute to the "Starlight Drive In" by Johnny Rosa who was of course a West Side Regular.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LU9jPF0u250
    ~
    Jeff Vento,
    Putnam, Connecticut

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